What is the name of the copper-rich protein that creates the blue blood in the Antarctic octopus?
Explanation
Hemocyanin is the name of the copper-rich protein that creates the blue blood in the Antarctic octopus. This protein is responsible for transporting oxygen in the octopus's circulatory system. Unlike the iron-containing hemoglobin found in mammals, hemocyanin relies on copper ions to bind and transport oxygen, giving the blood a blue coloration. This adaptation allows the octopus to thrive in the cold waters of the Antarctic, where it helps maximize oxygen uptake and maintain vital bodily functions in extreme temperatures.